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RUGBY: Calne 2nd 8 Warminster 2nd 7

CALNE clinched their place in the semi final of the county 2nd XV shield with a hard-fought win over visitors Warminster.

The home side had won the league clash between the sides convincingly but an improved visiting outfit gave a better account of themselves on this occasion.

Rain made handling difficult for both sides and Warminster, led upfield by veteran Malcolm Bryant, had the first attempt at putting points on the board but the effort went awry.

The set piece was evenly contested as Calne’s front row of Adrian King, Simon Fry and Matt Hegerty put in a solid performance.

King made the breakthrough for the home side, crashing over after a fine run from Danny Stiles.

Warminster put pressure on Calne from the restart but the efforts of Nick Titcombe, Mike Smith, Tom Storm and captain Nick Doe-Wansey kept them at bay.

However, when debutant fly-half Phil Morgan and centre Paul Kelso combined, Chris Bell broke through the centre to score under the posts, superbly converted by Chris Douglas for a half-time lead.

Calne held territorial advantage in the second half and finally got their reward when, with ten minutes to go, Warminster flanker Luke Windsor was penalised and full-back Adam Welch slotted home the winning penalty.

PICTURES FROM THE MATCH IN THURSDAY'S GAZETTE & HERALD AND FRIDAY'S WILTSHIRE TIMES

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